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Most trucking management software (TMS) claims to serve carriers, shippers, brokers, and other trucking companies equally. But from our experience, these generic tools often lack key features specialist trucking companies need.
For instance, if you run a bulk hauling operation, you’ll need tools capable of capturing all the load information specific to your industry, such as scale ticket reference numbers, tonnages, commodity types, and more. Plus, you’ll need a system that can handle the high volume of daily loads per truck that you’ll be managing.
Similarly, other trucking companies, like LTL carriers, typically prefer solutions with more specialized load management capabilities, so they can visualize loads and plan or optimize routes. Generic TMS tools typically can’t handle the complexity these types of carriers require.
In this guide, we share 7 of the best TMS tools that actually fit the needs of different types of carriers. We’ll begin by showing you why our own software, Toro TMS, is the top option for bulk haulers.
Want to see how Toro TMS can streamline your business? Book a demo with our team to learn more.
1. Toro TMS: Best overall TMS software for bulk haulers
If you’re a bulk hauler, you may have found you’re pretty poorly served by most TMS tools. Typically, generic tools—even those designed specifically for carriers—can’t handle the high volume of daily loads you’re carrying per truck, nor the paperwork and admin processes that come with them. Plus, they don’t capture the specific data you need for your financial reporting and accounting or to manage loads.
That's why you need a TMS software built for bulk haulers that reduces repetitive manual data entry and admin by automating load creation, streamlining driver communication, and syncing all the data you need across dispatch and back-office.
Below, we'll cover in more detail how Toro TMS addresses these challenges to help bulk haulers save time and increase efficiency across their operations.
Speed up dispatch with automated load creation and assignment tools
One of the processes that bulk haulers spend a lot of time on is manually creating new loads and dispatching them to drivers. When you’re handling a high volume of recurring loads each day, as most dry and liquid bulk haulers are, this repetitive work becomes particularly frustrating.
With Toro TMS, much of this manual repetitive entry is eliminated. Our system allows dispatchers to create a load once, save it as a template, and reuse it again in the future for repeat orders.
A load template captures all essential dispatch information, including:
- Customer details (phone numbers, emails, and physical addresses)
- Key load info (weight, commodity type, billing rate)
- Order numbers (reference numbers, scale tickets)
After a load is dispatched, you can still add additional info or make edits in real-time. Then, any changes made are populated downstream for back office teams, such as new customer billing rates or load tonnages.
All new loads and load templates are accessed through the main dispatch dashboard, where you can also:
- View real-time driver availability: See which drivers are ready to take on loads based on their current location, trip schedule, PTO, etc. This provides live visibility into scheduling and reduces manual data entry by capturing all information in the system.
- Assign new loads: Use a drag-and-drop interface to match loads with available drivers in seconds. This streamlines dispatching without manual coordination between drivers. Once a load is assigned, they get a text message with all required load details.
- Track driver and load statuses: Monitor real-time updates on driver progress and load delivery status via ELD integrations. You can be proactive about customer updates and keep them informed about delivery times and delays.
Toro TMS also allows dispatchers to make bulk updates to key details across multiple loads. For instance, if drivers got a late start to the day, dispatchers could update delivery statuses simultaneously rather than doing it individually for each load.
Read more: How to Choose a Dispatch Software for Trucking Your Teams Will Actually Use
Allow drivers to receive load details or upload documents via text message
Most TMS solutions require drivers to download mobile apps or access online portals to communicate with dispatch, receive load instructions, and upload delivery documentation.
In our experience working with dozens of trucking companies, drivers actually prefer performing these tasks via text message instead. This is because the mobile apps tend to be too complex, so drivers end up ditching them altogether. If you’re unable to get drivers to adopt the software, dispatchers need to go back to sending load info manually—meaning the system doesn’t capture all the details your back-office teams need.
Rather than forcing drivers to use these apps, Toro TMS automatically sends all the info drivers need via text. Not only does this ensure drivers adopt the software, but it eliminates additional data entry steps for dispatchers because there's no need to copy and paste any information.
All dispatchers need to do is click “Send dispatch to driver,” and our system creates and sends a message with all load details to the driver's device. Every message includes a unique, no-login-required URL for document uploads.
This allows drivers to click the text’s URL to snap and submit photos of scale tickets or BOLs, instantly sharing them with the back office. Toro’s system also auto-extracts key data (e.g., BOL numbers, tonnage) from uploaded images and assigns it to the relevant load, meaning you won't need to re-enter any info manually.
Read more: Trucking Ticket Management Software: How to Better Manage Your Paper Tickets
Automate back-office tasks and save your team up to 70% of time
After a load has been delivered, back-office teams need to process invoices, calculate driver pay, and determine IFTA and tax compliance. Even when using a TMS, teams typically struggle with these tasks because they still need to re-enter everything into the system manually. This repetitive entry is extremely time-consuming and prone to errors that can lead to accounting issues later on.
That’s why our trucking software can help you cut the time you spend on back-office tasks by 70% by automating invoicing, trucking payroll, IFTA reporting, and accounting.
More specifically, bulk haulers using Toro can:
- Calculate driver pay effortlessly: After loads are delivered, Toro instantly calculates pay based on pre-defined driver preferences (by mile, hour, or weight). Plus, it factors in all fuel deductions, bonuses, and expenses.
- Generate invoices in seconds: Using driver-submitted documents (e.g., scale tickets, BOLs) and load details (e.g., tonnage, rates), Toro auto-fills invoices for individual or bulk sending, which speeds up customer payments. For example, if you’re handling non-standard freight, such as pallets or livestock, Toro supports “Each” as a unit type, allowing carriers to bill by the item. This gives you more flexibility while generating invoices and ensures accurate billing that matches your workflow.
- Simplify IFTA reporting: Toro’s ELD integrations track state-by-state mileage automatically. This allows carriers to generate accurate tax fuel reports instantly, rather than doing manual calculations.
- Sync seamlessly with QuickBooks: Export invoices, driver settlements, and IFTA data to QuickBooks Online or Desktop with one click. Toro will automatically map charges to the correct accounts so you don't have to.
Read more: QuickBooks Trucking Software: Save 70% of Time on Back-Office Tasks
These time-consuming tasks really slow down your operations. Toro TMS automates them, saving up to 70% of back-office time, so your team can focus on growing your business.
Read more: Driver Settlement Software: How to Automate Your Payroll Process
Generate real-time reports to reveal insights into your trucking business
As Toro TMS collects all key load and driver information, you can generate reports showing you how your company is performing, what's working, what's not working, and where changes need to be made.
With all load, dispatch, and financial data in one place, Toro’s reporting tools enable carriers to:
- Pinpoint profitability drivers: Break down revenue, costs, and margins by truck, driver, customer, or commodity to identify high-value loads and optimize resource allocation.
Our reporting module allows you to create more detailed reports that fairly split team driver earnings and exclude deductible expenses for a precise view of true profit. Plus, you can segment drivers into custom groups based on key differences (such as dispatcher, region, or equipment type) to uncover performance trends.
- Optimize routes by tracking empty miles: Automatically monitor empty miles to uncover inefficiencies, enabling smarter route planning that reduces fuel costs and boosts profitability.
- Stay proactive with maintenance alerts: Receive automated notifications for upcoming truck servicing or compliance checks, minimizing downtime and ensuring fleet readiness.
Ready to find out how Toro TMS can help your trucking business? Book a demo to learn more.
2. AscendTMS: Best for budget-first carriers
AscendTMS is a cloud-based transportation management system for carriers, freight brokers, and shippers. It's a lean system designed for small fleets with tighter budgets, as it offers basic TMS features and functionality without upfront costs.
Its simplicity presents problems for growing carriers that need more advanced features. But there’s still plenty here to get started, including:
- Drag-and-drop load and dispatch management tools
- Basic accounting features, plus third-party integrations
- EZSign digital signatures for shipper confirmations, BOLs, etc.
- Shipper directory of more than 25,000 companies
- Basic financial and profitability reports
AscendTMS offers various pricing plans, including:
- Basic: $49/user/month
- Premium: $99/user/month
- Pro: $149/user/month
3. McLeod Software: Best TMS software for enterprise carriers
McLeod Software's LoadMaster is an enterprise TMS for carriers, brokerages, and 3PLs managing large-scale operations across multiple terminals.
It offers extensive customizations and a comprehensive feature set that may be a bit too complicated (and expensive) for small to medium-sized carriers. Plus, the dated interface and steep learning curve make adopting the software even more difficult.
Some of the notable McLeod Software features include:
- Over 30 customizable modules for dispatching, compliance, safety, and accounting
- Real-time driver tracking and integrations with the McLeod Driver App
- Business intelligence tools for reporting to track operational efficiency
- Complete accounting suite to manage driver pay, invoicing, etc.
McLeod does not publicly disclose pricing. They charge based on company needs, including additional licensing and support fees.
4. Truckbase: Best carrier TMS software for LTL and heavy haul
Truckbase is a TMS built specifically for small to mid-sized carriers, particularly those in long-haul trucking operations.
However, Truckbase’s emphasis on carrier operations makes it a poor choice for fleets of less than 10 trucks.
Key Truckbase features include:
- AI-powered load importer
- Real-time tracking with integrations for 30+ ELD providers
- Instant invoicing and a customer portal to track loads for real-time visibility
- Mobile app for drivers to communicate with dispatch and upload order documents.
Truckbase's minimum pricing is $290 per month (billed annually).
5. TruckLogics: Top TMS for FTL trucking companies
TruckLogics is a TMS designed for fleets of all sizes, with a focus on full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) operations.
It offers various tools for carriers, including dispatching, route optimization, trucking accounting, and compliance in a single platform. Notable features include:
- Automated dispatching with load boards and integrated ELDs
- Digital document management
- IFTA reporting, driver pay, and fuel tax reporting
- Advanced financial reporting
TruckLogics offers a 7-day free trial. Pricing starts at $39.95/month for owner-operators (1-2 trucks) and increases based on fleet size.
6. Truckstop’s ITS Dispatch: TMS software for small carriers
ITS Dispatch by Truckstop is a cloud-based TMS designed for owner-operators and small fleets (1-10 trucks). It’s user-friendly and affordable, but its limited integrations compared to alternative systems can restrict scalability for growing fleets.
ITS Dispatch’s key features include:
- Full access to Truckstop’s load planning board to book loads instantly
- Automated invoicing and driver settlements
- Mobile-friendly interface for both drivers and dispatchers
- Customizable dashboards with detailed reporting
Pricing starts at $50 per month for owner-operators (1-2 trucks) and increases by fleet size, up to $75 per month for unlimited trucks or $99 per month for unlimited trucks and advanced reporting tools.
Read more: Easy Trucking Software: How to Pick a TMS That’s Genuinely Easy to Use
7. Axon Software: TMS built for specialist carriers and fleets
Axon Software is a TMS for carriers of all sizes, with a focus on specialist carriers (e.g., intermodal, oilfield, or heavy haul) needing integrated accounting and fleet management.
While this is a reliable TMS to centralize all carrier operations, the accounting capabilities are limited, and it can be a difficult software to adopt for smaller organizations.
Key Axon Software TMS features include:
- Real-time dispatch and tracking
- Integrated accounting suite, including invoicing, driver settlements, and financial reporting
- Specialized compliance tools, such as FTA reports, fuel tax calculations, and safety documentation
Axon Software does not publicly disclose pricing. There are only custom plans available, tailored to individual needs.
Streamline your bulk hauling operations with Toro TMS
We’ve explored the top TMS software providers for carriers, specifically highlighting which software is best based on your type of trucking company.
For bulk haulers, you’ll want a TMS system that simplifies dispatch and reduces repeat data entry, which is why Toro TMS is the ideal choice. Our platform helps you:
- Automate load creation and dispatching
- Simplify driver communication to keep drivers and dispatchers connected
- Eliminate repetitive data entry and cut time spent on back-office tasks by 70%
We’ll also provide in-person onboarding at your office to ensure everybody on your team knows how the software works. Plus, our customer support team provides responses to any questions you might have within 30 minutes from 9 am to 9 pm ET.
Curious to see if Toro TMS is right for you? Schedule a demo today.